AD Agencies
Spicetree Design Agency (SDA) expands to UAE
Mumbai: In a remarkable move, Spicetree Design Agency (SDA) has announced its expansion to the UAE, establishing Spicetree Digital Media LLC. This bold step aligns perfectly with our core philosophy, shared by Dubai itself: ‘Growth for All, Above All’. This expansion is a significant win for everyone at SDA, driven by the visionary leadership of Spicetree Digital Media LLC’s founder and director Mehmood Khan.
“Our expansion to the UAE is a testament to our belief in seizing opportunities,” said Mehmood Khan. “The UAE is a land of opportunities, and we’re here to seize them. We have witnessed firsthand the country’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can survive and thrive. Our decision to expand here was driven by the country’s remarkable economic growth, diverse and dynamic market, and forward-thinking policies, making it a hub for innovation. At SDA, we are excited to bring our unique blend of expertise and creativity to the country.”
With over 20 years of experience, Mehmood Khan’s exceptional networking skills have paved the way for SDA to enter this new and super-competitive market. His leadership and foresight have been instrumental in this strategic move, positioning SDA to harness the UAE’s infinite opportunities.
At the helm of SDA’s digital marketing and strategic planning is Mehek Khan, the head of digital marketing & strategic planning, who ensures that SDA’s campaigns resonate with the local audience while maintaining global standards.
Leading SDA as the CEO, Aalim Khan brings unparalleled business planning expertise to the table. His vision and strategic acumen have been vital in shaping SDA’s growth trajectory. Aalim’s commitment to building sustainable business and service models has been a cornerstone of SDA’s success.
With this trio & an exceptional team of over 50 strategists, designers, and web development experts and 20 years of experience, SDA is well-equipped to impact the marketing sphere significantly. SDA’s unique selling proposition lies in its thorough research and scientific approach, which helps brands improve on all fronts and acts as a business consulting partner.
At SDA, their approach is not just unique; it’s revolutionary and customer-centric. They believe in using resources wisely to generate more value rather than burning money. Their deep understanding of brands and their audiences allows us to devise strategic plans that ensure a good return on investment (ROI) on retainers. This meticulous approach has enabled us to build sustainable business models that resonate with our client’s goals.
SDA’s over two decades of track record speaks volumes about their dedication and expertise. We specialize in creating innovative business models for sectors like real estate, travel, cafes, etc., providing 360-degree assistance in advertising. Their commitment to understanding the brand and its audience sets us apart, ensuring that our strategies are not only effective but also sustainable.
The expansion of SDA to the UAE marks a new chapter in their journey. With a strong foundation of experience, a visionary leadership team, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable growth, SDA is determined to make a significant impact in the UAE’s vibrant market. They look forward to embracing the opportunities that lie ahead and continuing our mission of growth for all, above all.
AD Agencies
Publicis Brazil’s creative chief Mauro Ramalho lands the jury chair at Abby Awards 2026
Mauro Ramalho brings 25 years of global advertising firepower to the new creative commerce, use of data and B2B category at Goafest
GOA: The Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show, has appointed Mauro Ramalho, chief creative officer of Publicis Brazil, as jury chair for its newly launched creative commerce, use of data and B2B category. The announcement, made on 18 March, signals the awards’ intent to bring serious international muscle to a category that sits squarely at the intersection of creativity and commercial performance.
Ramalho is not a name that needs much introduction in global advertising circles. Over 25 years spanning three countries, he has worked at some of the industry’s most creatively restless addresses. At AKQA in San Francisco, he worked across McDonald’s, Nike, Fox, Target, Kraft Foods and GAP, and helped lead “The Lost Ring” for McDonald’s, one of the first alternate reality campaigns and among the most awarded projects of its era. He later moved to Organic in Toronto, bridging the Detroit and Toronto offices on Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler, before spending over a decade building CUBOCC into one of Brazil’s most iconic and innovative independent agencies, which subsequently joined the IPG network.
A stint at FCB followed, where Ramalho led integrated work bridging online and offline, before he joined R/GA São Paulo as vice-president and executive creative director, stitching together the São Paulo office with New York, London, Portland and California on global clients including Verizon, Google, Meta, Samsung, American Express and Heineken. He now heads Publicis Brazil as its chief creative officer.
His trophy cabinet includes Clios, Effies, TikTok awards and MMA Smarties, and he has served on juries at the Andys, TikTok and the Lisbon Awards.
The Abby Awards 2026 is scheduled to take place at Goafest 2026 on 20, 21 and 22 May in Goa.
For Indian advertising, landing a jury chair of Ramalho’s calibre for a category built around data-driven creativity and commerce is a statement of ambition. Goafest just raised its own bar.
